If you are experiencing symptoms caused by spondylosis such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, you might be wondering if there are tips or tricks for making driving more comfortable. Read our seven tips to learn simple ways to make everyday driving less painful and more comfortable.

Seven tips for driving with spondylosis

Move around and stretch. If you are driving for any extended period of time, take frequent breaks. Get out of the car, move around and stretch.

Support your neck and low back. In some vehicles the head rest and the lumbar support may provide enough support to keep you comfortable. In other vehicles you may need to add a neck pillow and your own lumbar support. Adjust your seat to make sure you are in the most comfortable position possible.

Consider safety. Wear your seatbelt at all times. If you are unable to operate the vehicle safely, ask a friend or family member to drive. There are assistive devices like wide mirrors that can make driving easier if you have trouble moving your neck.

Take extra care when getting in and out of the vehicle. Getting in and out of a car can be a challenge due to decreased spinal mobility and pain. Hold onto the dashboard with one hand and the seat back with the other. Slowly lower yourself into the seat taking care to bend forward to avoid hitting your head. Don’t use the door for support as it may move or close. Once seated, bring your legs into the forward position.

Practice good posture. Practicing good posture can help to avoid stiffness and the spine curving downward. Adjust your seat so your posture is as upright as possible to avoid slouching. Try to hold your head over your abdomen so your chin is parallel to the floor.

Use heat and ice therapy. Many vehicles have seat heaters that can help increase circulation and reduce pain. You can bring your own instant heating pad or plug-in heating pad if your vehicle doesn’t have seat heaters. Ice therapy with an ice pack can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. If you are on a long trip, alternate between heat and ice.

Use cruise control. If driving conditions allow you to safely use cruise control, you can rest both feet on the floor to help distribute weight more evenly and help to keep your spine in alignment.

If you have tried conservative treatment and these seven tips to make driving more comfortable and your symptoms are still inhibiting your everyday activities, you may need surgery to relieve your pain.

Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about our minimally invasive procedures. Our minimally invasive procedures have fewer complications than open spine surgery and the recovery time is shortened as well. Most patients who undergo minimally invasive spine surgery can return to work and everyday activities within three months of surgery.

Reach out to Laser Spine Institute today for a no-cost MRI review* to find out if you are a candidate for one of our minimally invasive procedures to help relieve spondylosis symptoms.

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*Our MRI review is an informational review of the MRI report that you provide to us and is not a form of diagnosis. A diagnosis and a final determination of whether you may benefit from treatment at Laser Spine Institute can only be made after you have been physically examined by our medical professionals at Laser Spine Institute. The MRI review has no value and will not be billed.